Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, has signaled his intention to demolish more markets, even as controversies continue to trail the use of military force to demolish the famous ancient Ekeukwu Market Owerri last Saturday, during which a 10-year-old boy was shot dead.

Okorocha gave the indication when he held an emergency meeting with stakeholders as tension peaked over the demolition of Ekeukwu Owerri despite subsisting court order.

A Channels TV report said that security chiefs, market trader associations and government officials in the state were among those who met with the governor to address the lingering issue.

It said that the Governor, during the meeting held on Wednesday reiterated that the relocation of the market is “in the best interest of the state following the ongoing urban renewal programme by the government.”

At the meeting, the traders at the market disclosed that the relocation is untimely as the proposed relocation site is not ready for trading and commercial activities, the report said.

It went on to quote Okorocha as saying while addressing the meeting: “The relocation of the market is in the best interest of the people of the state.”

The Governor, according the report, said that the action is borne out of the determination to give Owerri city a face lift, warning that some other illegal market and shanties within the city should move within the next seven days.

The Governor, however, promised the people that the state government will speed up all necessary construction work in the market so they can move into the market under construction, as quick as possible, the report said.

Update news